Trainut
Train Attendant
A BAD Amtrak trip.
I am asking if my expectations are too high.
Made Guest Rewards reservations in January 2012. MSP to CLE , via CHI, in handicap sleeper both ways.
The day before departure July 18 got a call from Amtrak saying that because of a derailment in Montana we
have to take a bus to CHI. I asked the person on the phone about my luggage and they said I would check it
in MSP and pick it up in CLE, great I said.
At the station at MSP the agent said my luggage would not go until the next train came through, who knew
when that would be, but I could take it on the bus my self. I then asked where will we be dropped off in
CHI. The agent said right in front of Union Station and a Red Cap will be waiting to take the luggage and
check it to CLE again, thought this shouldn't be to bad.
The bus driver was geography challenged, because he didn’t know what exit to get off the freeway. My wife
and I were sitting in the front seats, because we are both handicapped, the driver started to turn left off of
Jackson street onto Jefferson street. I told him that this is not the street Union Station was on. He argued
with me and said this is where you are getting off.
The bus was full, and all the driver did was to put everyone's luggage right next to the bus because there
were cars parked at the curb. This was two and a half blocks from the entrance to the station. We had two
suitcases and a duffel bag, my wife's walker, and my scooter. We had absolutely no help getting to the
station.
I don’t have to tell you what a challenge, both physical and emotional this was. After two elevator rides, in
the station and waiting in line, we headed to the Metropolitan lounge, then we collapsed.
A week ago we received a voucher for $100.00, but no refund of any Guest Reward points. I guess the
$100.00 is OK, but I think some Guest Reward points should be refunded also. Point being no train ride = (a
wash), no bedroom =how many points? and two meals = how many points?
Am I asking to much?
I hope that you can understand this letter, as I'm not much of a writer.
I am asking if my expectations are too high.
Made Guest Rewards reservations in January 2012. MSP to CLE , via CHI, in handicap sleeper both ways.
The day before departure July 18 got a call from Amtrak saying that because of a derailment in Montana we
have to take a bus to CHI. I asked the person on the phone about my luggage and they said I would check it
in MSP and pick it up in CLE, great I said.
At the station at MSP the agent said my luggage would not go until the next train came through, who knew
when that would be, but I could take it on the bus my self. I then asked where will we be dropped off in
CHI. The agent said right in front of Union Station and a Red Cap will be waiting to take the luggage and
check it to CLE again, thought this shouldn't be to bad.
The bus driver was geography challenged, because he didn’t know what exit to get off the freeway. My wife
and I were sitting in the front seats, because we are both handicapped, the driver started to turn left off of
Jackson street onto Jefferson street. I told him that this is not the street Union Station was on. He argued
with me and said this is where you are getting off.
The bus was full, and all the driver did was to put everyone's luggage right next to the bus because there
were cars parked at the curb. This was two and a half blocks from the entrance to the station. We had two
suitcases and a duffel bag, my wife's walker, and my scooter. We had absolutely no help getting to the
station.
I don’t have to tell you what a challenge, both physical and emotional this was. After two elevator rides, in
the station and waiting in line, we headed to the Metropolitan lounge, then we collapsed.
A week ago we received a voucher for $100.00, but no refund of any Guest Reward points. I guess the
$100.00 is OK, but I think some Guest Reward points should be refunded also. Point being no train ride = (a
wash), no bedroom =how many points? and two meals = how many points?
Am I asking to much?
I hope that you can understand this letter, as I'm not much of a writer.
